Knowing when to leave is important for all kinds of relationships – including municipal.

                The decision for the recent departure of Red Hill from the cooperative trash contract between Red Hill, Pennsburg, and East Greenville was explained in detail at the Red Hill Borough Council's regular meeting on Wednesday, August 8.

                Borough resident Charles Cuthbert asked the borough why they decided to leave the partnership for trash removal with the other boroughs. His concern was a possible increase in cost to residents.

                Council member Liz DeJesus explained that previously there had been a benefit to the cooperative five year contract, which is set to expire. The council found that the borough would be better off on its own.

                She said that there was no way of knowing how the new contract would impact residents until the bids came in. DeJesus also noted that the borough is also getting a bid for curbside recycling.  The recycling center in Red Hill presently loses money.

                "If the boroughs would maintain the status quo, the costs could go up," stated Mayor Dave Schiffgens.

                Faith Diascro, council member and chair of the sanitation and recycling committee, stated that Red Hill residents do have the advantage of not having to purchase a five-dollar tag for bulk items, but can simply tie a borough trash bag to the item.

                The bids for the trash contract will be opened and read at the September 9 borough council meeting.

                In general services news, committee chair Chuck McCleary reported that the curbs in the borough were sprayed for weeds.  Paving of Graber Alley will begin on August 29.

                In zoning news, the Red Hill planning commission will meet on August 18. The Proposed Hendricks Road development will be discussed. Representatives from Upper Hanover Township will be in attendance.

                The owners of the former Main Street Inn are selling all of the restaurant equipment from the business and have submitted an application to the zoning hearing board to convert the building into six apartments.

                In emergency management news, council president Doris Decker reported that Mike Italia has been appointed interim Emergency Management Coordinator, with fire marshal John Lehr volunteering to assist. Their priority will be the update of the emergency management manual. The borough will be seeking a qualified person to fill the permanent position; the individual needs to have specific FEMA training.

                In grants news, Red Hill received $9,036 in FEMA funds for reimbursement for the 2016 blizzard, and a low volume roads grant of $24,076 that was spearheaded by maintenance supervisor Conrad Bender.